Israel Houghton Comes Out of Hiding

Israel Houghton claims honesty in the church is rejected and for years he felt the need to wear a mask because of his position. However, according to the singer, those days are over. As he prepares for the release of his newest single, “Reckless Love” he comes out of hiding to walk in authenticity.

Houghton has been on stages around the globe for many years, leading people all over the world in worship. He has done some fantastic things for God, but he is just a man, as flawed as the rest of humanity. The songwriter confessed to being the reason his marriage of 20 years was dissolved. While his actions cannot be condoned, instead of praying for him and his family, many Christians chose to shun him.

In a series of videos, the former Lakewood Church worship leader shared how he had ministered on some of the greatest stages and been the recipient of high praise all while knowing he was a wreck inside. He said:

The risk of being honest can lead to people ostracizing you. It’s easier to cling to the persona, the stage, the reputation that people want to see. But in my weakness, my God is strong. When I was reckless, His reckless love chased me down and brought the healing that I never experienced.

It’s torment to look in the mirror and not recognize the man in the reflection. How amazing would it be to love someone through their honest and ugly moments?! It takes a journey to work off the mask to become authentic and whole. Honesty is the door to finding a love that brings an identity found only in Christ.

One of the major challenges Christians face is the balance of grace and truth. The truth is all “fall short” but the good news is, God’s grace is sufficient. God has promised to be strength to those that are weak. Instead of embracing this reality, fellow believers are sentenced to a season of shame and frustration. Christians are not only weak physically; they are still human. Humanity should relish in the gift of grace, not suffer in condemnation. In this new season, Houghton has embraced this truth and come out of hiding.

No one’s life is flawless or free of mistakes. Just like others, Christians fail, have shortcomings and from time to time, make terrible decisions because Christians are not Christ. They are flawed human beings trying to follow in the footsteps of a perfect God, and no one can do that without tripping from time to time. For anyone to demand perfection of another human being is nothing but a hefty dose of hypocrisy. A true Christian understands, according to Proverbs 24:16 that “a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.”

When Jesus accused religious leaders of being hypocrites, he was basically accusing them putting on a show for the sake of their audience, while in their hearts they were someone completely different. Their piety was a performance, not a genuine action. Modern-day Christians tend to throw the same word around with no restraint. As opposed to a clear case of intentional deception, hypocrite is a label “self-righteous” saints apply to anyone who visibly fails to live up his or her own values.

This theory is the “doctrine” that held the “Reckless Love” singer hostage for most of his Christian walk. However, the blinders have been removed and Houghton is coming out of hiding to walk in freedom. He is free to miss the mark and still embrace the love of God. As Houghton comes out of hiding, he hopes his new stance of liberty will give others the freedom to embrace grace on this human journey called life.

By Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Sources:

Christian Post: Israel Houghton Says He Wore ‘Mask’ for Years, Claims Honesty in Church Is ‘Rejected’Premiere: Israel Houghton: Is anyone good?Key Life Network: Christians Are Human Too